Suzuki Bandit 400 / GSF400
1989—1999

I have tried to tell the Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit model history on this page as I know it. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

The Bandit 400 was released in 1989 as part of a Suzuki's new series of naked bikes. It shared the same chassis structure as the lower-end Bandit 250, with a diamond-structure frame accentuated by round steel pipes and a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder engine. The original spec allowed users to choose between one piece or two pieces handlebars. All models had a groove in the tank to prevent interference with the separate handlebars. The high-reving engines are derived from the GSX-R250 and GSX-R400 with lots of power for their sizes, the Bandit 250 had about 45 bhp, the 400cc version about 59 bhp. Both models had 4 to 1 exhaust systems and disc brakes (the 400 had double disc at the front, the 250 had single disc). Both versions were soon available even with top fairing (sold with the addition ”Limited” on the model name) and later even with an optional variable exhaust timing (addition ”V”), otherwise the model remained, on the whole, unchanged. Both models were discontinued at the end of the century. The Bandit 400 underwent a full model change in 1995 , but remained on the market for over 10 years until production ceased in 2000, making it a long-selling model.

1989 Suzuki year code: K

The first version of Bandit 400 (GSF400K) was launched in June 1989. A distinctive feature of the first-generation GK75A model was the monoshock swingarm, made of steel and painted in the same color as the frame. Initially the Bandit 400 had 59 PS and it had separate handlebars. Matching frame color. The lineup also included a classic ”Limited” model (model number ending with Z) equipped with a half-type rocket fairing. The first of these, the Bandit 400 Limited, was released as a Suzuki 70th Anniversary Commemorative Model, and featured 2-tone graphic colors, a different frame color for the body, and exclusive wheel colors. A Limited model with a VC engine was also released. Suzuki Bandit 400 (GSF400K) Released in June 1989. Early GK75A, There are three body colors available. All liveries had white wheels. 1989 Suzuki Bandit 400 colors: Black (019), Marble Pure Red (07P), Prussian Blue Metallic / Traditional Silver Metallic (0FP) The initial model of the Bandit 400 is quite easy to recognize from its dark brown colored front forks. The same type of front forks appeared again in 1992 but then the brake discs had different design. Presented in Japan: June 1989 1989 GSF400K frame numbers: GK75A-100001~ 1989 GSF400NK frame numbers: GGK75A-106157~ 1989 GSF400-Z frame numbers: GGK75A-108260~ Colors options: Pearl Novelty Black, (33J), Marble Italian Red (28V)

1989 Suzuki Bandit 400, Pearl Novelty Black (33J)

1989 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 58.2 hp (42.8 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1989 Suzuki Bandit 400 Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 750 mm (29.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Gropund Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 58.2 hp (42.8 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1990 Suzuki year code: L

The 1990 year's Bandit 400 had silver-coated front forks. The forward-leaning riding position was not for everyone, and in June 1990 Suzuki launched an ”up-handlebar version”, GSF400N that allows for a less forward-leaning riding position. The riding position was changed dramatically using pipe handlebars which move the grip end 100 mm upward and 50 mm rearward compared to the standrad two-piece handlebars. The price at the time excluding tax was 595,000 yen, the same as for the standrad. Although the ”pipe handlebars” version was launched in 1990, it still received the model number GSF400NK, th 'K' indicating model year 1989. Officially there were no new model versions of the Bandit 400 launched in 1990. Color options: Black Presented in Japan: November 1990 (Limited), June 1990 (standard). 1989 GSF400NK frame numbers: GK75A-106157~ 1990 GSF400Z frame numbers: GK75A-108260~

1990 Suzuki Bandit 400N, Solid Black (019)

1990 Suzuki Bandit 400 Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 750 mm (29.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Gropund Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 58.2 hp (42.8 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1990 Suzuki Bandit 400 N Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 750 mm (29.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Gropund Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 58.2 hp (42.8 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

A Limited version with a top fairing, blue/silver 2-tone color scheme, blue frame, and black wheels was launched by Suzuki in November 1990. The Limited Edition engine had polished aluminum clutch and alternator covers. 1990 Suzuki Bandit 200 Limited (GSF400Z) Frame mounted half cowling, dfifferent mirrors, GSX-R type meter unit Change of an arrangement of a carburator. Front suspension: Preload adjuster Rear suspension: Attenuation ratio adjuster Presented in Japan: November 1990 1990 GSF400Z frame numbers: GK75A-108260~ Color options: Traditional Silver Metallic (0FP) / Blue Metallic ( H72 ) / Candy Starlit Blue Metallic (34R), Solid Black(019) / Maroon (G98) / Bright Silver Metallic (13L)

1990 Suzuki Bandit 400 Limited Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 750 mm (29.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Gropund Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 176 kg (387 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 58.2 hp (42.8 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1990 Suzuki Bandit 400 Limited Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 172 kg (378 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 58.2 hp (42.8 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1991 Suzuki year code: M

In June 1991 the Bandit 400 models came with an optional variable exhaust valve timing to boost midrange. You can tell these models by the red engine head cover, black wheels, red brake disc center at the front wheel and the letter 'V' in the model name. The Bandit 400 Limited had Silver-coated frame and Red/Black color scheme, The ”standard” V model (available in Red with silver frame and Black wit Black frame) had Red brake discs at the front. According to Roy Bacon's book of Suzuki the GSF400 Bandit was introduced for 1991, supposedly to the UK market. The picture showed a model with single front brake disc (similar to the GSF250 Bandit) and Black coated exhaust system. Was this a power restricted learner version or Brittish economy model, that I don't know. According to a sales brochure I found much later, the ”black silencer and single front disc” model had 54 ps (53.2 hp). It was slighty lighter than the twin disc model. In Germany the GSF400 Bandit had better brakes at the front and the exhaust system was chromeplated, as in Japan. But the rear mirrors were round. Different handlebars resulting to a more upright riding position. Power restricted to 50 ps (49.3 hp). Presented in Japan: February 1991 (standard), June 1991 (V), August 1991 (Limited V) 1991 GSF400VM (VC engine model) frame numbers: GK75A-113473~ 1991 GSF400VZM (VC engine, Limited model) frame numbers: GK75A-115163~

1991 Suzuki Bandit 400V, Marble Italian Red (28V)

1991 Suzuki Bandit 400 V (Japan) Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 750 mm (29.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Gropund Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 58.2 hp (42.8 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1991 Suzuki Bandit 400 V (Japan) Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 750 mm (29.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Gropund Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 58.2 hp (42.8 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1991 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit (UK) Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in) Overall Width: 730 mm (28.7 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 53.2 hp (39.1 kW) @ 10 600 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 9 600 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1991 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit (Germany) Overall Length: 2 125 mm (83.7 in) Overall Width: 730 mm (28.7 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Curb Weight: 190 kg (419 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 49.3 hp (36.3 kW) @ 10 600 rpm, 38 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 9 600 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

1993 Suzuki year code: P

In Japan, the maximum power output of the motorcycle eninges were restricted by law. Prior to 1993 the maximum horsepower were the following; 250cc class: 45 ps, 400cc class: 59 ps, 750cc class: 77 hp. Motorcycle engines over 750cc cylinder displacement were not allowed. The new limits for the models built in 1993 and after, were; 250cc class: 40 ps, 400cc class: 53 ps, 750cc class: 77 ps. Motorcycles larger than 750cc were now allowed, but restricted to maximum 100 ps. All vehicles in Japan were speed restricted to 180 khm/h (118 mph). So, the 1993 Bandit 400 engine didn't longer deliver 59 ps maximum power, but was restricted to 53 ps (52,25 hp, 39 kW). 1993 GSF400P/NP frame numbers: GK75A-126917~ 1993 GSF400VP frame numbers: GK75A-127047~ 1993 GSF400VZP frame numbers: GK75A-131076~ Color options: Candy Antares Red (19A), Pearl Novelty Black (33J) Another color option as added in May 1993, Candy Starlit Blue Metallic (34R).

1993 Suzuki Bandit 400 V Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 750 mm (29.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Gropund Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1993 Suzuki Bandit 400 V Overall Length: 2 055 mm (80.9 in) Overall Width: 705 mm (27.8 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Seat Height: 750 mm (29.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Gropund Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 399 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1994 Suzuki year code: R

1994 GSF400VR frame numbers: GK75A-133878~

1995 Suzuki year code: S

”New Bandit 400” Colors: 1995 GSF400S frame numbers: GK7AA-100001~ 1995 GSF400VS frame numbers: GK7AA-100001~

1995 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 167 kg (367 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1995 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 167 kg (367 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1995 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 167 kg (367 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1995 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 167 kg (367 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1995 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 167 kg (367 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1995 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 167 kg (367 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1995 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 167 kg (367 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1995 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 167 kg (367 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1997 Suzuki year code: V

1995 GSF400S frame numbers: GK7AA-100001~ 1995 GSF400VS frame numbers: GK7AA-100001~ 1997 GSF400V-V frame numbers: GK7AA-103544~ 1997 GSF400VZ-V frame numbers: GK75A-103544~

1997 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1997 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1997 Suzuki GSF 400 V Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 060 mm (41.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1997 Suzuki GSF 400 VZ Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 115 mm (43.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1997 Suzuki GSF 400 VZ Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 115 mm (43.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1997 Suzuki GSF 400 VZ Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 115 mm (43.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1997 Suzuki GSF 400 VZ Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 115 mm (43.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

1997 Suzuki GSF 400 VZ Bandit Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 115 mm (43.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 410 mm (55.5 in) Dry Weight: 168 kg (370 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 52.25 hp (39 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm No larger picture available.

 

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